Surname Winklmayr - Meaning and Origin
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Winklmayr: What does the surname Winklmayr mean?
The last name Winklmayr is of German origin and is believed to have derived from the words 'Winkl' and 'Mayer'. Winkl is a German word that translates to "small corner of land". This likely originates from a geographical place name derived from either an area of land that was a small corner of a larger plot, or a small corner of a building. Mayer is a German word from the Middle High German meiger, meaning "mayor" or "chief magistrate".
Therefore, the last name Winklmayr likely features two geographical or occupational portions or roots and indicates a place of residence or occupation. It is possible that the surname originated from a small corner of land or building where a mayor or magistrate held office or reisided long ago.
Today, there are more than 4,400 people who bear the last name Winklmayr living mostly in Germany, the United States (especially Illinois and Texas), Austria and Switzerland. The name may also appear in slightly altered forms such as Winklmeier or Winklmaier.
The name Winklmayr likely represents a part of family heritage that can be traced can be traced back many centuries. It may even provide an interesting connection to family history as people who bear the surname can attempt to discover the origin of the immigration for their Winklmayr family.
Order DNA origin analysisWinklmayr: Where does the name Winklmayr come from?
The last name Winklmayr is most commonly seen in Germany. Other countries in Europe that have a presence of this surname include Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Italy.
The variant form Winklmeier is more common among German-speaking populations in the US. Additionally, Winklmayr has cropped up as far away as Australia, where many immigrant families hailed from Europe in the 19th century.
In Germany, this surname is often associated with the German Army, since Winklmayr was the name of a former General and General Inspector of the Army. This signifies a long-standing connection between the Winklmayr and military heritage.
The most common occupation associated with the Winklmayr name is Craftsman. This was a popular occupation during the 19th century amongst many immigrants to Germany. This is in part due to the fact that craftsmen didn’t require certain licenses or education to start practicing, so many immigrants found themselves with opportunities in this field.
Today, Das Telefonbuch, a search service in Germany, shows 16 individuals with the last name Winklmayr, living in cities such as Berlin, Dresden, and Regensburg. This, however, does not account for immigrants who have since settled outside of Germany.
Variations of the surname Winklmayr
The surname Winklmayr is a Bavarian surname derived from the Old High German word “winkl,” meaning “corner,” and the word “maer,” meaning “help” or “aid.” This surname is shared across Europe and is spelled differently in various countries. Common spellings of the surname Winklmayr include Winkelmayer, Winkelmeyer, Wincklmayr, Winkelmaier, Winkelmaire, Wincklmaier, Weinklemeyer, Wincklmeier, Winckl, Wincklmayer, and Winkler.
Variants of this surname include Winkler, which is a variation of Winklmayr found in both Germany and the Austrian region of Upper Austria; Winklemeyer, which is a common spelling of the surname in the area of Karlsruhe, Germany; Winklermaier, which is another variant of the name found in parts of Germany; and Winkle, which is found throughout Southern Germany and Austria.
The variations of Winklmayr are not limited to the German-speaking countries of Europe. The surname can also be found in the United States. Variants such as Wimpler, Wimpeler, Winckles, and Wincklen are common spellings of the name among American citizens of German descent.
Though the origins of the Winklmayr surname are not definitively known, it is likely that the name was given to individuals who lived near a “corner” of land or a crossroads and had a reputation for helping others. Today, the surname can be found in most parts of the world, though it is usually in modified spellings.
Famous people with the name Winklmayr
- Lorenz Winklmayr: He is a professional Austrian ski mountaineer and former cross-country skier. He is also a two-time participant in the Patrouille des Glaciers international ski mountaineering race.
- Günther Winklmayr: He is a well-known Austrian journalist, politician and former editor-in-chief of the Austrian local daily paper "Kurier".
- Grünhardt Winklmayr: He is a musician and composer from Vienna who plays the drums, violin and trumpet. He is known for his work with the Intergalactic Warlords, a band from Berlin that combines folk music and avant garde sounds.
- Edmund Winklmayr: He is an Austrian architect who has designed several notable projects in Vienna, including the Austrian Academy of Sciences building and the Karlsplatz subway.
- Thomas Winklmayr: He is a former professional tennis player who won three singles titles during his career. He also reached the quarterfinals at the 1985 Australian Open.
- Eva Winklmayr: She is an Austrian actress who has appeared in several television series and films. Her most notable roles include “The Grand Brambild”, “The Hunger” and “The Three Musketeers”.
- Hubert Winklmayr: He is an Austrian painter and sculptor known for his post-modern interpretations of classic themes. His works can be found in institutions, universities and galleries throughout Austria and Germany.
- Franz Winklmayr: He is an Austrian musician and jazz composer. He is known for his work with the Austrian jazz-rock band “Die Jazzingsten” and his solo album “Im Wahnsinn”.